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We The People Chapter 2
Flash cards for the second chapter of "We The People" textbook, Rev. 9
42
Political Studies
Undergraduate 1
09/11/2014

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Term
Articles of Confederation
Definition
First constitutional government of the U.S.
1781-1789
Gave the states too much power, federal gov't very little
Alliance of independent nations (states)
Term
Magna Carta
Definition
1215
Feudal rights and limiting power
Term
Mayflower Compact
Definition
1620
Contractual Government
Term
Colonial Charters
Definition
1630-1732
Charters authorizing the colonies
Term
Declaration of Independence
Definition
1776
Created the framework for a new nation and its government
Term
Five Sectors of Colonial Society
Definition
New England Merchants
Southern Planters
Royalists
Shopkeepers, Artisans and Laborers
Small Farmers
Term
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Definition
Thomas Jefferson was the principal author
Term
Which philosopher heavily influenced the Declaration of Independence
Definition
John Locke (social contract theory)
Term
What is the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
Definition
Outlines purpose of government
Lists act committed by the king that delegitimize british rule
Declares that the people have the right to revolt
Declares Independence from British rule
Term
Articles of Confederation
Definition
States hold most power, weak national government
Created first constitutional government
Why it sucked:
Inability to tax further weakened federal gov't
Trade wars erupted between states
Inflation resulted from each state printing its own money
Term
Annapolis Convention
Definition
1786
Convened to discuss solution to the crisis created by the Articles of Confederation
Weak turnout, members agreed to meet in Philadelphia to discuss revising the Articles of Confederation
Term
Shay's Rebellion
Definition
Debtors' revolt
Demonstrated need for stronger central government
Term
Constitutional Convention
Definition
May 1787
Delegates represented the elite in American Society
Charles Beard argues the constitution reflects an interest to protect economic power (the elite)
Representation was the most hotly contested issue (virginia vs new jersey plans)
Resulted in the "Great Compromise", bicameral legislature
Term
Name the three branches of US government
Definition
Legislative
Judicial
Executive
Term
Describe the Virginia Plan
Definition
Number of representatives to national gov't based on population
Favored states with larger populations
Term
Describe the New Jersey Plan
Definition
Equal number of representatives to national gov't for every state
Favored states with smaller populations
Term
Describe the Connecticut Plan
Definition
Also known as the "great compromise", suggested a bicameral congress, House of Reps with Virginia Plan, and the Senate with the New Jersey Plan
Term
3/5ths compromise
Definition
Every 5 slaves counted as 3 people for determining as state's representation in the House of Representatives. Slaves of course not allowed to vote.
Term
How many members in the House of Representatives?
Definition
435
Term
How many members in the Senate?
Definition
100
Term
Describe the election term for House Representatives
Definition
2-year term
100% of seats up for re-election every 2 years
Always elected by the people
Term
Describe the election term for Senators
Definition
6-year term
2 members per state
1/3 seats up for re-election every 2 years
Initially chosen by state legislators, 17th amendment provided for direct election by the people
Term
10th Amendment
Definition
Reserve Powers Clause
aka the Elastic Clause
Gives fed government "all powers necessary and proper" to carry out enumerated powers.
Term
McCullough VS Maryland
Definition
Upholds constitutionality of the "necessary and proper" clause, *and* the "supremacy clause" (article 6)
Term
Article 2
Definition
Creates the presidency (executive branch)
Elected through electoral college which insulates the office from Congress and the masses.
Term
How many Electoral College votes are needed to win the presidency?
Definition
270
Term
Article 3
Definition
Creates the supreme court
Judges appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate
Judicial review not mentioned
Term
Judiciary Act of 1789
Definition
Established the US court system
Term
Marbury VS Madison
Definition
Established Judicial review
Term
Judicial Review
Definition
The doctrine under which legislative and/or executive actions are subject to review (and possible invalidation) by the judiciary branch
Term
Article 4
Definition
Full faith and credit clause
Acts and laws of one state shall be recognized by all states
Term
Article 6
Definition
Supremacy Clause
Laws of the US are the supreme laws of the land and supercede state laws
Term
Bill of Rights
Definition
First 10 amendments to the Constitution
Provide Civil Liberties, which protect us from our government
Persueded Anti-Federalists to sign on to the constitution
Term
9th Amendment
Definition
Right to Privacy
Term
14th Amendment
Definition
Treat all groups the same
Term
Anti-Federalists
Definition
Wanted direct democracy
Feared branches not directly elected
Term
Federalists
Definition
Wanted representative democracy
Term
How many amendments have been added to the constitution since the Bill of Rights?
Definition
17
Term
How many amendments are there to the constitution in total?
Definition
27
Term
How were slaves referred to in the constitution?
Definition
"Other Persons"
Term
1808
Definition
Slave Trade Banned
Term
What are powers that are shared between the Federal and State and Governments called?
Definition
"concurrent powers"
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